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Ten years of New East Manchester

One decade on and New East Manchester is still bringing in the big budgets and the big building projects

Published on January 5th 2010.

Regeneration scheme New East Manchester is ten years old in 2010 and the fast pace of change looks set to continue, despite the recession. Work will begin on four flagship projects this year, and more investment has been promised.

“This year is set to be our most exciting yet, with major announcements about significant investment opportunities at Sportcity and Central Park likely.”

In 2010, work will start on a £24m indoor BMX arena next to the Velodrome at Sportcity, a £20m bakery for Fine Lady Bakeries in Newton Heath, a £4.4m public realm works in New Islington, and a £10m community hub in Miles Platting that will contain a library, health services, shops and a housing office.

Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester, said: “Despite some of the most challenging economic conditions, New East Manchester has continued to maintain the momentum that it has built up over the last ten years in bringing investment and new job opportunities to east Manchester.

“We are on a 30-year journey and we have made great strides in the first ten years. This year is set to be our most exciting yet, with major announcements about significant investment opportunities at Sportcity and Central Park likely.”

Beswick before the regeneration

Beswick after the regeneration (even the weather has improved)

In 2009 several major projects got off the ground including the £31.5m East Manchester Academy (incorporating a district library), two new Metrolink lines, a Morrisons store (part of a £40m district centre for Openshaw that will eventually create 750 new jobs), the first phase of the £17m Sharp Project (a creative industries hub which will create up to 565 jobs) and a £63m headquarters for Greater Manchester Police in Newton Heath. Work has been completed on a £16m Greggs bakery, securing 220 jobs. And 500 new homes have been built in the area.

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The sketches on the New Islington banners around the area look great, but has anyone walked through the back streets of Ancoats and Miles Platting lately? Manchester has all but abandoned these areas. I'm not holding my breath for much improvement in 2010.

I don't think this design of house will age well. We just keep repeating the same mistakes. It's why people want to live in Cheshire. Traditional designs have gone from cities and with it any hope of attracting middle class families. People like brick construction and a real fireplace.